What's up guys? The other day I traded in my Mustang for a 2012 Cooper base. I love this car, it drives amazingly. It's quite zippy, although nowhere near where my Stang was. I'd like a few more ponies out of it... So I'd like advice for short term and long term mods.

Short term goal- 160-180 HP N/A, Short Throw, Suspension (NOT loweing springs, car's too damn low already lol!) 2 10" subs. Just lookin to see what everyone's done with theirs, need ome advice, etc...

Long Term Goal- 350 HP Turbo engine, LSD. What kind of power are the S engines putting out built? Will it bolt to my N/A tranny? They aren't too expensive on ebay for a used engine from a wrecked car, I AM mechanically inclined. Any input for this? Let me know.

 

I think it's difficult to get it anywhere near 160hp with bolt ons. Engine swap isn't as easy as older cars. Just the wiring and programming is enough of a hassle. Why don't you just drive this and then trade for a S later on?

BTW N14 cooper S engines are known for their issues. You may as well look into LCI N18.

 

What about a 50 shot of nitrous for the track? Can these engines hold it? What kinda power am I looking at with full bolt ons? I've seen some CAI's, and some sorta chip thing with 3 settings, any gains from this? Havent seen a full exhaust system, what would you recommend? I found a header on ebay but that's about it. I've also heard of people running water meth on high compression engines, whats the ratio on this little guy?

 

Gotta agree with Rikaro, don't waste your time and money for power out of a base model. They're great for handling but adding power is just not practical without forced aspiration. Maybe improve suspension 'til you go for an "S" version, then go for power. In the meantime, follow these threads and take notes.

I've read where nitrous is in use by at least one guy --- SprintCars, if my memory is still working. He brags on targeting 400HP, but has yet to post a dyno chart, just ¼ mile results. You might want to PM him for details. Most people get anywhere from 225 to 250 WHP from their "S" with bolt-ons. Any more usually takes head work and other internal mods.

 

Imo if I were you I'll just keep the motor stock.

Start with other easy mods (coilovers, tires, wheels, bbk) then you can swap everything to the s when you're ready.

I'm more of a circuit track junkie so nitrous is not my field.

Ps: perhaps a 4g63 swap? :p

 

I was actually kicking around the idea of a TSI/GSX drivetrain swap. I have no clue what kind of rear axle gsx's run, but I hear the IRS from a Datsun 280z is really good and they're significantly skinnier than the eclipse... It was just a thought, would be really cool.

I still don't think it would be too crazy to swap an engine/ecu/wire harness from a wrecked S.... unless the engine mounts and tranny bolt holes are completely different...

 

on the bright side- you dont have to deal with the dreaded carbon buildup or the timing chain issues that are inherited with the turbo engine!

A few mods to help out though-
DDM air intake or VIP intake with K&N filter- other aftermarket intakes out there...
OBX Header
performance exhaust (VIPcustomparts exhaust, Milltek sport exhaust, Remus exhaust)
Sprint Booster